Mark Richard: Spokane County
Mark is a second generation Spokane resident and son to retired Judge Richard J. Richard. He now has two beautiful daughters and a lovely wife of 14 years. Mark graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Local Government. Mark has held jobs as a laborer, dishwasher, manager and realtor. He has volunteered his time coaching soccer and serving kids in a number of other capacities. Before his current role consumed all of his time, Mark served as a board member of Kiwanis N.E. Club, as a member of the South Side Rotary Club and an Optimist Club member.
Mark’s priorities in County Government are improving regional collaboration, making our county streets safer, strengthening and diversifying the region’s economy and caring for those who genuinely cannot care for themselves. Just a few of his initiatives to serve in these areas are:
- Establishing the Spokane Regional Council of Governments where local elected officials now come together to iron out differences, establish one vision for the region and consolidate services to save taxpayer dollars. These efforts have also lead to a drastic reduction in lawsuits filed between government jurisdictions that were plaguing the Spokane community.
- Initiating the dialogue and helping lead efforts to return Crime Check to Spokane County residents. In addition, and thanks to voter support, that legislation also includes funding for critical infrastructure that was failing our law enforcement and fire personnel as well as a Reverse 9-1-1 type system that will allow emergency services to call entire neighborhoods in times of emergency.
- Serving as lead commissioner to tackle the crisis of an overcrowded jail and the pending closure of Geiger Correction facility with Sheriff Knezovich and a dedicated team of staff and community participants. Before proposing a new jail however, Commissioner Richard and stakeholders in law enforcement are implementing much needed reforms in the system that are saving taxpayer dollars and delivering swifter, fairer justice to the streets of Spokane County.
- Partnering with AHANA (a minority business organization) and E.W.U. to help our small towns develop plans for infusing their communities with economic development. Partnering with G.S.I. (formerly the Greater Spokane Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council) to educate kids, teachers and parents about workforce opportunities available to them in the Spokane Region. Championing proposals to support the Valley Hub Project (recreation facility in Spokane Valley that serves kids and draws outside sports events, as well as the Spokane Aerospace museum.
- Leading efforts to save and restore services to those suffering from mental illness, establishing a regional partnership to address Homelessness that plagues many of our mentally ill and Veterans, and serving on the Board of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington that delivers services to at-risk seniors.
- Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington
- Detention Services Project (Core Team) [Formerly Jail Expansion Team (JET)]
- GMA Steering Committee
- Spokane Regional Health Board
- Spokane Regional Health District Executive Committee
- International Trade Alliance (ex-officio)
- Spokane County Solid Waste Liaison Board
- Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC)
- STA Board of Directors
- Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC)
- Legislative Steering Committee
- WSAC Board of Directors
- Spokane County Interstate Fair Board
- Spokane County Golf Courses
